News Briefs

On the Background

John Nau, president and CEO of Silver Eagle Distributors, L.P., discovered his love of history while touring a Civil War battlefield as a child. That passion has led him to commit $1 million to UTSA for undergraduate scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships and fellowships in history.

From the President

Dear UTSA Friends:

This edition of Giving highlights some very passionate donors. Have you ever wondered about what
sparked someone’s interest in giving? Sometimes you need to look no further than their passions.

My passion for collecting art started after I took an art history class in college. Being exposed to art
through that one class gave me the insight to buy an unsigned painting on Paris’ left bank—because I
was certain it was a piece by Mexican painter Rufino Tamayo. It turns out, I was correct, and my art
collection was born.

Similarly, it was a history class that first sparked John Nau’s passion at a young age for
understanding the U.S. Civil War (see the story on page 12). Today, the leader of Silver Eagle
Distributors has one of the most comprehensive collections of Civil War memorabilia in the world. And,
as you’ll read, Mr. Nau has made a gift to UTSA to ensure his passion is passed on to a new generation.

Ernest Bromley's study of liberal arts prepared him to be one of the country’s advertising industry
leaders. He believes so strongly in the value of a liberal arts education that he decided to establish
a first-of-its-kind scholarship for College of Liberal and Fine Arts majors at UTSA. You can read more
about his commitment to the liberal arts in the story on page 6.

We never know what is going to spark someone’s passion. We don’t know what will lead to the
next great business idea or scientific discovery. But it is clear that education—higher education—can
play a role. This is one reason why it is so important that UTSA attain Tier One status—so that we can
continue to provide exceptional opportunities for students to learn and explore. Tier One universities
foster the passions and ideas of tomorrow.

Donor support is key to fulfilling our promise. You’ll note that in the examples of Mr. Nau and Mr.
Bromley, both are putting their money behind their passions. Both men are giving to UTSA to ensure
that our students have opportunities to learn from bright minds and the funding to attain higher
education. When you give, your impact is similar.

We all have a role to play in making our community stronger by taking UTSA to Tier One
status. Because you give to UTSA, you’re an important part of students’ journeys to uncover new
passions and knowledge.